Saveetha College of Architecture and Design

Saveetha College of Architecture and Design (SCAD), a constituent college of the Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), stands as a premier institution for design education in Chennai. For the academic year 2026, the college continues to leverage its NAAC A++ accreditation and Category 1 status to provide world-class infrastructure.

The college is known for its Studio-based learning model and its proximity to the industrial corridors of Chennai, providing students with unique exposure to urban planning and contemporary architectural practices.

The 2026 academic session highlights a curriculum that blends traditional architectural principles with modern digital tools like BIM and parametric design. The most sought-after programs include:

• B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture): A 5-year professional degree focused on sustainability, urban design, and heritage conservation.
• B.Des (Interior Design): A 4-year program emphasizing spatial aesthetics and functional planning for residential and commercial sectors.
• B.Des (Fashion Design): Focused on the thriving textile industry of Tamil Nadu, integrating apparel technology and creative design.
• B.Des (Communication Design): Covering UX/UI, graphic design, and digital media.

Admissions for 2026 follow a merit-cum-entrance based system. For Architecture, valid scores in national-level exams are mandatory.

• B.Arch Admission: Candidates must qualify for NATA 2026 or JEE Main Paper 2.
• B.Des Admission: Based on the SIMATS Design Entrance Test followed by a portfolio evaluation and interview.
• Eligibility: Minimum 50% aggregate in 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics for B.Arch.

Tentative Dates:

• NATA 2026 Registration: March - May 2026
• SCAD Application Deadline: June 2026
• Counseling Sessions: July 2026

Students consistently rate the college highly for its infrastructure and freedom of expression. Key highlights from student feedback include:

• Learning Environment: The 24/7 access to design studios is a major plus for architecture students working on late-night submissions.
• Faculty Support: Professors are often practicing architects, providing a bridge between theory and site reality.
• Campus Life: While the academic load is heavy, the annual cultural fests and design exhibitions provide a vibrant atmosphere.
• Location: Being in Chennai, students have easy access to diverse architectural styles, from Mahabalipuram's heritage to the modern IT corridors.

The cutoff for 2026 is determined by a combination of entrance exam scores and board marks. For B.Arch, the Council of Architecture guidelines apply.

• NATA 2026 Cutoff: Expected to be around 80-90 out of 200 for general merit.
• JEE Main Paper 2: Percentile above 85 is usually required for competitive entry.
• Board Marks: A high score in 10+2 (above 75%) significantly improves the merit rank during the internal selection process.

As part of SIMATS, the college benefits from the university's high standing in national rankings. In 2026, the rankings reflect its growth in the design sector:

• NIRF (Architecture Category): Consistently ranked among the top emerging architecture colleges in India.
• Regional Ranking: Ranked in the Top 10 private architecture colleges in Tamil Nadu.
• Innovation: Highly rated for 'Excellence in Design Pedagogy' by various educational magazines.

The 2025 placement season saw strong participation from top architectural firms and design studios. The Chennai real estate boom has significantly helped placement statistics.

• Highest Package: INR 8.5 LPA
• Average Package: INR 4.2 LPA
• Top Recruiters: Larsen & Toubro (L&T), RSP Design Consultants, Oscar & Ponni Architects, and various boutique interior design firms.
• Internships: 100% of B.Arch students secured internships in the 9th semester as per CoA norms, with many receiving pre-placement offers.

SCAD offers financial aid to deserving students through several categories:

• Merit Scholarship: Up to 50% tuition fee waiver for students with exceptional NATA scores or 10+2 marks.
• SIMATS Entrance Scholarship: Based on performance in the university's own entrance test.
• Sports Scholarship: For athletes representing at the state or national level.
• Institutional Support: Special concessions for students from economically weaker sections (EWS) and first-generation learners.

While B.Arch remains the flagship, other courses have gained significant traction in 2026:

• B.Arch: Known for its focus on Sustainable Architecture and Climate Responsive Design.
• B.Des in Interior Design: Popular for its integration of smart home technology and furniture design.
• B.Des in Fashion Design: Attracts students interested in sustainable textiles and luxury brand management.

The fee structure for 2026 is designed to be competitive with other private universities in Chennai.

Note: Fees exclude hostel, transportation, and material costs which are essential for design students.

When compared to other institutions in Chennai like SRM School of Architecture or SAP (Anna University), SCAD offers specific advantages:

• Infrastructure: SCAD often surpasses older institutions in terms of digital labs and 3D printing facilities.
• Flexibility: Being a Deemed University, the curriculum is updated annually to include the latest industry trends like AI in design.
• Class Size: Smaller batches compared to SRM allow for better one-on-one interaction with studio masters.
• Cost: Competitive pricing compared to other premium private universities in the South.

The application process for 2026 is entirely digital:

1. Visit the official SIMATS admissions portal.
2. Register with a valid email and phone number.
3. Fill out the personal and academic details.
4. Upload documents: 10th/12th Marksheets, NATA/JEE Scorecard, and a Portfolio (for B.Des).
5. Pay the application fee of INR 1,000 via online banking/UPI.
6. Shortlisted candidates will be called for a counseling session or interview.

The campus is designed to inspire creativity. Key facilities include:

• Design Studios: Spacious, well-lit studios with individual drafting tables.
• Material Museum: A curated collection of building materials, fabrics, and finishes for hands-on study.
• Climatology Lab: Equipped with tools to study sun paths, wind speeds, and thermal comfort.
• Digital Lab: High-end workstations with Revit, Rhino, Grasshopper, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Hostels: Modern accommodation with Wi-Fi and nutritious dining options.

The college is organized into focused departments to ensure specialized education:

• Department of Architecture: Managing the B.Arch program and research in urbanism.
• Department of Interior Design: Focused on spatial design and human factors.
• Department of Fashion and Textile: Concentrating on garment construction and textile innovation.
• Department of Visual Communication: Handling digital media and graphic design.

Students at SCAD are encouraged to supplement their degrees with certifications in:

• BIM (Building Information Modeling): Essential for modern architectural practice.
• Sustainable Design: Courses on LEED certification and green building ratings.
• UI/UX Design: For B.Des students looking to enter the tech industry.
• Parametric Modeling: Learning Grasshopper and Rhino for complex geometries.

The faculty at SCAD comprises a mix of academic scholars and industry veterans. Over 40% of the faculty hold or are pursuing PhDs, while many others are registered architects with active practices in Chennai. This ensures that students receive a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical 'on-site' wisdom.

In 2026, SCAD offers several value-added online modules for its regular students, including:

• Introduction to V-Ray Rendering
• Digital Illustration for Fashion
• Architectural Photography
• Portfolio Building Workshops

The alumni network of SCAD, though relatively young, includes successful professionals such as:

• Founders of independent design startups in Chennai and Bangalore.
• Architects working with international firms in Dubai and Singapore.
• Award-winning interior designers featured in regional design magazines.